YMCA of Harrison County to build new playground, volunteers needed for build day

Written by George Browning

Tuesday, 18 June 2013 00:00

On June 21 and 22, with thanks to grants from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! and the Harrison County Community Foundation, a new safe playground will be constructed by the YMCA of Harrison County’s Fieldhouse.
In order to complete the playground project, at least 25 volunteers are needed to work side by side with YMCA of Harrison County representatives to build the playground model that serves ages two to twelve. We have selected this model so that it serves as many children as possible, compared to playgrounds for age ranges two to five or six to twelve which restrict access to the other ages. In addition to needing volunteers for the build, a list of tool and supplies are also needed. Items needed to use or borrow include: ? 3 clam shell type post hole diggers ? shovels ? 1 long handle tamper ? rakes ? hammers (sledge and nail) ? 2 large rubber mallets ? levels ? 6 heavy-duty wheelbarrows ? wrenches, ratchets, sockets and drill bits ? a boom truck with rigging or large pneumatic tire forklift capable of lifting 1,500 lbs. 15’ in the airwith operator ? skid loader (Bobcat) with a 12”, 18” and Auger with operator ? power tools ? deck bracing ? ladders ? 5 gallon buckets ? concrete After a two-day construction “blitz”, the new playground will stand where currently there is no safe place for children to play. The playground build days will take place Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, snacks will be provided to each volunteer. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication will take place on Monday, June 24 at 4 p.m. “We are very excited to have this new addition on our grounds,” said Elizabeth Whittinghill, Youth andFamilies Director with the YMCA of Harrison County. “There was really a need for a public playground in this area, and all it took was us standing up and saying, ‘Hey, we can do this.’ And with the grants we received, we knew we’d be able to build it right.” To volunteer, for more information regarding this community-build playground, or to donate or loan anitem or piece of equipment for build day, contact Youth and Families Director, Elizabeth Whittinghill, at the YMCA of Harrison County at 812-734-0770 or
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.About the Y The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities,the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net